The four-time AFC Asian Cup winners threw away a two-goal lead to lose 3-2 in stoppage time as the Japanese missed out once more on a place in the quarter-finals of the FIFA World Cup.

Nacer Chadli’s goal on the break deep into added time handed Belgium the win and ensured Japan’s run at Russia 2018 ended in the last 16, just as it did in 2002 and 2010.

Goals from Genki Haraguchi and Takashi Inui handed Japan a 2-0 lead in the second half at Rostov Arena but Belgium hit back with three goals, including a 94th-minute winner that knocked out the last Asian side remaining at this FIFA World Cup.

Although Japan failed to get past the last 16 once again – they also came up short in 2002 and 2010 – Tashima gushed with praise for Akira Nishino’s men, who had the Belgians sweating and were on the cusp of reaching their nation’s first-ever FIFA World Cup quarter-final.

Chadli's superbly worked goal in the fourth minute of stoppage time was the final act of an epic last 16 battle that saw Belgium become the first team in 48 years to successfully overturn a 2-0 deficit in a World Cup knockout game.

The Red Devils will face five-time champions Brazil in Kazan on Friday after scoring three second-half goals without reply to break Japan's dogged resistance.

Goals by Genki Haraguchi and Takashi Inui in four devastating minutes had put Japan 2-0 up early in the second half to leave Belgium reeling.

However, the Red Devils responded with quick goals of their own as Jan Vertonghen, at fault for Haraguchi's goal, and Marouane Fellaini both scored headers before Chadli's dramatic winner in Rostov.

Having also exited the last 16 in both 2002 and 2010, Japan suffered Knockout Stage heartbreak for the third time.

Many of the Samurai Blue shone in the first round while, although departed, a number of players from Asia’s four other representatives grabbed the world’s attention. The-AFC.com has chosen five for you to vote for your standout performer.